TED-Ed: Development of English drama - Mindy Ploeckelmann

In medieval England, the clergy created mystery and miracle plays to teach Bible stories to illiterate commoners. These plays evolved with guilds taking part, leading to changes in content. By the 14th century, morality plays emerged, featuring allegorical battles between virtues and vices. Audience interaction became common, and the plays often encouraged vices. By the 15th century, the church restricted these performances, leading to the development of theaters outside city walls. This environment fostered the growth of Renaissance drama, influencing playwrights like Shakespeare and contributing to drama as a literary art form.

What was the primary reason the clergy created mystery plays in the 11th and 12th centuries?

How did the format of the plays change by the 13th century?

What were morality plays, and how did they differ from earlier biblical plays?

In what ways did the audience interact with the actors during morality plays?

What impact did the medieval morality play have on later Renaissance playwrights?